Okinawa e-scooters become more affordable with GST rate cut

The reduced prices of Okinawa's electric two-wheelers are in effect from 1st August 2019.

Electric two-wheeler manufacturer Okinawa becomes the next manufacturer in line to pass on the recent GST rate reduction benefits to its customers. The rate cut (from 12 per cent to 5 per cent) has resulted in a price drop of ₹ 2,500 – ₹ 4,700 on Okinawa's VRLA (Valve-regulated Lead-Acid) battery models (Ridge, Praise & Ridge30). Meanwhile, the advanced Li-ion battery models (I-Praise+ and Ridge+) will see a greater price reduction of ₹ 3,400 – ₹ 8,600 due to the inclusion of FAME-II subsidies.

Sharing his thoughts on the GST Council's welcome move, Mr Jeetender Sharma, Founder & MD at Okinawa Autotech Pvt Ltd, said, ‘The Union budget gave a much-needed push to the EV industry and the GST rate cut is even more welcoming. The 7 per cent GST reduction has reduced the upfront cost of buying an Okinawa scooter by ₹ 2,500 – ₹ 8,600. This, coupled with FAME-II subsidies, will take a significant chunk out of the acquisition price, making our range of scooters strong options for urban commuters.’

Okinawa was also one of the first electric two-wheeler manufacturers in India to achieve compliance for FAME-II incentives. The models eligible for the FAME-II subsidies belong to Okinawa's Li-ion line-up, the I-Praise+ and the Ridge+.